Fresh details have emerged in the ongoing investigation into an alleged plot to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration, as military intelligence operatives have reportedly arrested and interrogated a Managing Director of a Federal Government agency in the South-South region.
The senior official, whose identity is being withheld for security reasons, is said to have been detained over a suspicious transfer of a large sum of money to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and ex-Bayelsa Governor, Chief Timipre Sylva. Security sources disclosed that the transaction is being scrutinised as part of efforts to trace financial links to the alleged coup plan.
“The Managing Director transferred a substantial amount to Sylva, and investigators are examining whether the funds were intended to support the alleged plot,” a top intelligence officer told The Nation. “He is currently being questioned on the purpose of the transfer and his connection to the incident.”
It was gathered that military operatives raided Sylva’s Abuja residence on Saturday, arresting his younger brother, Paga Sylva—who also serves as his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs—and his driver.
The former minister, who is a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was reportedly outside the country during the operation. Security sources said he was preparing to return to Nigeria but changed his plans upon learning that several military officers linked to the alleged plot had been arrested.
“Sylva’s home in Abuja was searched, but he wasn’t around,” another source confirmed. “Investigators believe he may have had a financial role in the coup arrangement. When he heard that the coup suspects had been picked up, he stayed back abroad.”
Efforts to reach the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, and the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, proved unsuccessful as both officers declined to take calls or respond to messages on Tuesday.
It will be recalled that the Defence Headquarters, through Brig.-Gen. Gusau, had earlier issued a statement on October 4 confirming the detention of 16 officers for “acts of indiscipline and breaches of military regulations.”
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations,” the statement read in part.
However, online reports have alleged that the detained officers—ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier-General—are being held by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) over suspicions of plotting to overthrow the government.
Security sources have neither confirmed nor denied the claims, but insiders say the matter is being treated as “a grave national security issue.”
